Kilimanjaro routes are main trails which help you explore the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are seven main routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. These Kilimanjaro routes are well established trails with facilities, and safety to hike up to the summit. After a certain trekking distance, there is a set up accommodation to rest, get meals, shower, and important climbers services.  Each route has unique geographical features, varying in trekking difficulty, natural scenery, and the length of the trek. These routes are known as Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Umbwe,Shira route, Machame and Northern circuit route. Marangu route is mentioned first because it was the first Kilimanjaro route to be developed and Marangu was used by first European/white men to climb to Kilimanjaro summit in 1889.

On top of that, the duration of the climb varies depending on the chosen route and your pace of trekking up. Furthermore, Some routes are more popular than others, so consider your preference for solitude or social climbing. After all, there are Kilimanjaro trails for beginners, and for moderate demanding climbing expeditions. Our Kilimanjaro routes recommended for beginners are the Marangu and Rongai route. In Addition to that, we have comfortable Kilimanjaro climbing options whereby we provide luxury accommodation during your Kilimanjaro climbing tour.

Marangu (“Coca Cola”) Route
 Marangu route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.

The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route. On the Marangu route, there are VIP Mountain  huts, which have extra comfort facilities, and private picnic sites. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, we recommend climbers to book trips in advance, so that we can reserve slots at Marangu Mountain huts.

Machame (“Whiskey”) Route 

Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

Umbwe route: Umbwe route is the shortest and steepest route, very physically taxing and requires serious endurance. Has beautiful forest, spectacular ridge, scenic traverse to Barafu, tented camping accommodation.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.

The minimum number of days required for this route is 7 days, although eight days is ideal.

Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended.

Rongai Route 

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Northern circuit route: This is a scenic beauty route with panoramic Kilimanjaro view. Northern circuit is a new route at Mount Kilimanjaro. Has very low traffic/few tourists due to very long time on the mountain, traverses nearly the entire mountain including the north side. Long route with great views and is ideal for private Kilimanjaro climb; it is an example ecotourism trek.

Shira route 7 days

The Shira route is one of the least used Kilimanjaro routes. It starts out as a very quiet trail.In 2 day, you meet Lemosho route and proceed up. There is a great scenery section hiking Cathedral Point with a panoramic view of surrounding savanna, and Mount Meru.

Equally, all above some of Kilimanjaro routes offers access to stunning geographical features. These are earth geographical attractions which you see based on selection of Kilimanjaro routes. Our guides help you to see many Kilimanjaro attractions such as Reusch Ash pit,  Furtwangler glacier, Arrow glacier, Stella point, Crater camp . Choose any of these trails from Umbwe route, Machame, Northern circuit, Shira route,  and Lemosho route and see many glaciers, and volcano features such as lava tower, barranco wall, Shira cadheral peak. Furthermore  Kilimanjaro climbers can hike from Karanga camp and acclimatize lava tower. 

even more, northern and eastern routes Rongai nalemoru route, and Marangu brings mountaineers closer to Mawenzi volcano peak, Saddle hut and Gilman’s point